Judge Steven R. McNelis: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Steven R. McNelis (deceased) served as a judge for the Butte County Superior Court in California. McNelis was elected to the Gridley Justice Court in 1976. He retired in 1987 and joined the Assigned Judges Program.

McNelis earned a bachelor's degree from California State University, Chico and a master's degree from California State University, Los Angeles. He spent the next several years teaching high school before completing a J.D. at Southwestern Law School.

After graduating from law school, McNelis returned to Butte County and taught law, legal research, evidence, and criminal procedures in the Administration of Justice program at Butte Community College.

His memberships included the CaliforniaJudges Association (vice president). He also sat on the Institute Committee and the Journal Committee of the California Center for Judicial Education and Research.

McNelis was raised in Van Nuys, where he attended U.S. Grant High School. When not presiding over legal matters, he enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson with his wife and his dogs. He was also a member of the community-based Comanches horseback riding group.

He passed away on April 24, 2021.